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Epice

Reviewers' Choice 2024 - Top 50 Reviewers' Choice 2023 - Top 50
Fine Dining
9A Huguenot St, Franschhoek, 7690, South Africa
(2178 reviews)
RRR+

Attributes

  • Romantic
  • Gourmet Guide Plated
  • Reviewers' Choice 2022 - Top 20
  • Reviewers' Choice 2023 - Top 50
  • Reviewers' Choice 2024 - Top 50

Epice – derived from the French word Épice meaning spice (and is pronounced eh-peace) - is an intimate fine dining restaurant located at Heritage Square, Franschhoek (opposite Leeu House)

"The restaurant menu will revolve around spices, but that doesn’t necessarily mean spicy hot - think of vanilla and saffron, or cinnamon and nutmeg, too," says Scot Kirton, Chef Proprietor of La Colombe.

Heading up the kitchen, head chef Charné Sampson is no stranger to refined, cutting edge cuisine- until recently she was the sous chef at La Colombe and is another one of Scot’s protégés to spread her wings. A graduate of Silwood, Charné also honed her craft in the kitchen of The Restaurant at Waterkloof and The Test Kitchen.

Gourmet Guide Description

Take a magic culinary ride to the iconic space in the old Le Quartier building in Franschhoek for a captivating treat at Epice (French for ‘spice’). The interior’s understated spice hues juxtapose perfectly with the bright sunshine and greenery outside, or you can appreciate the
crackling fire in winter.

Chef Charné Mouton is unapologetic about her passion for spices and the depth they impart to all dishes, whether sweet or savoury. She delights in introducing the full spectrum at your table from the start. The uninitiated may think of curry, but there’s true intellect in how she has married every ingredient with her first-choice spices. This spice queen celebrates each ingredient personally, drawing from her Cape heritage, with both her vindaloo sauce and fabled bread course creating a come-back-for-more scenario.

Choose from a traditional wine pairing, cocktail, or in-house tonic pairing. Whilst marrying beverages with spicy foods can be challenging, the team has worked hard to ensure successful surprises. Expect a little showboating with dry ice and tableside service, which all adds to the fun. Food is tasty and well-executed, and guests rave about the sweet potatoes with cumin, beef dripping, and berbere. In ‘feeding with passion’, La Colombe converts will be overjoyed to devour octopus cooked in passion fruit, cutting it open with scissors. You’ll leave with a spice box, some seeds to plant, and indelible memories.

Reviews (2178)

4.8 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.9
Value 4.6
Service 4.9
Ambience 4.7
  • Uma M. Dined: 1 day ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 30 Dec 24
    If there were eight stars I would have given it that . What an outstanding experience .and it was a perfect choice for a celebratory birthday. The ambience is perfect - one has a feeling of sitting outdoors with a lovely breeze and garden but one is actually under cover . The menu and service were brilliant . The spices used are subtle and the dishes so creative. Each dish was well explained by the serving staff. I would say this is one of the top fine dining restaurants. The menu also caters to vegan and vegetarians which was especially wonderful for us.

  • Ruana S. Dined: 2 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Chris D. Dined: 1 week ago
    3.8
    Food 4.0
    Value 3.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 29 Dec 24
    Don't rate it as high as La Petite Colombe but with 2 out of 4 with special dietary needs that put pressure on the kitchen and probably led to delays so meal took too long which caused a loss of momentum. Nevertheless you are not going to do the same meal at home so it is special. The quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten!

  • Gerda D. Dined: 1 week ago
    3.8
    Food 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 3.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 28 Dec 24
    Food was excellent but the lamb dish was a real rip off. Only one very little potion of lamb . Waitress was quite arrogant .

  • Maik B. Dined: 3 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 28 Dec 24
    Epice in Franschhoek is an absolute gem. The dining experience was nothing short of extraordinary. The food was beautifully crafted, with every dish bursting with flavor and innovation. What truly set the experience apart was the impeccable service – attentive, warm, and professional throughout. The team’s passion for hospitality is evident in every detail. If you’re looking for a fine dining experience that combines exquisite cuisine with outstanding service, Epice is the place to be. Highly recommended!

  • Carsten M. Dined: 5 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Dieter W. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    4
    Food 5.0
    Value 3.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 3.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 28 Dec 24
    Unique experience Recommend despite extremely high price Presenration and knowledge extremely good

  • Adheera B. Dined: 3 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 28 Dec 24
    This was an incredible culinary experience, coupled with excellent service. I loved every single dish, they are setting new standards!

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Opening Hours

  • Monday CLOSED
  • Tuesday 18h30 - 22h00
  • Wednesday 18h30 - 22h00
  • Thursday 18h30 - 22h00
  • Friday 12h00 - 15h00, 18h30 - 22h00
  • Saturday 12h00 - 15h00, 18h30 - 22h00
  • Sunday 12h00 - 15h00, 18h30 - 22h00